Government

By Matt Walsh
May 8, 2015

The speaker speaks

Florida House Speaker Steve Crisafulli explains why the House stands against Medicaid expansion.

Florida

By Michael Hinman
March 6, 2015

Battle lines

Tallahassee is back in session. Lawmakers are zeroed in on minimum wage, job creation and a little alcohol.

Florida

By Jean Gruss
March 6, 2015

The $100 million question

Lee County has $100 million stashed in its land-buying program for conservation, but it doesn't have avery good track record of spending it wisely. Voters likely will decide its fate next year.

Florida

By Mark Gordon
January 23, 2015

What could go wrong?

The battle of words between a company and Sarasota County is hot. At stake: the biggest payout in the history of the county's economic development fund.

Florida

By Mark Gordon
January 23, 2015

Other peoples' money

Sarasota County is five years and a little more than $5 million into a project to use county funds to recruit and retain businesses. Has it worked?

Florida

By Business Observer Staff
January 23, 2015

Incentives: dissected

The Business Observer breaks down incentive strategies used by counties on the Gulf Coast outside of Sarasota.

Florida

By Business Observer Staff
October 10, 2014

Manatee Glens signs national affiliation letter

Prominent nonprofit will retain local CEO and board under proposed deal.

Florida

By Matt Walsh
July 4, 2014

Review and Comment

The politics of liberty and why Jefferson wrote the Declaration

Florida

By Mark Gordon
June 13, 2014

'Bittersweet Solution'

A company with more than 30 employees and three decades on the Gulf Coast recently arrived at a major crossroads. A sweet offer made its decision easier.

Florida

By Jean Gruss
May 30, 2014

From the Outside In

Running as an outsider, former CEO Curt Clawson spent more than $3 million to challenge better-known politicians for the congressional seat representing Southwest Florida.

Florida

By Jean Gruss
May 23, 2014

Neutral Zone

Naples physician Michael Dent is building a website that will bring together sellers and buyers of non-acute medical supplies. It's a hugely complex business.

Florida

By Traci McMillan Beach
March 7, 2014

Lobbyist roundup: A glance at top business lobbyists in Tallahassee

If you want to get something changed in Tallahassee — or if you want to keep something the same — you're going to need someone there to fight on your behalf.

Florida

By Mark Gordon
March 7, 2014

Funds for the fight

The fundraising race for the two main Florida gubernatorial candidates has begun, with nearly a combined $20 million raised since October.The who-supports-who list has some surprises.